CASE TWO
Page 17
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Transport manager ‘had too much to do’
A PUBLIC INQUIRY has been told how vehicle maintenance at North London Courier and Logistics was not up to the required standard because the transport manager had not devoted enough time to the role.
At the public inquiry in Eastbourne last month, Nick Denton, traffic commissioner (TC) for London and the South East, said Steven Savage, had been given “too many other responsibilities” at the company, authorised to operate 18 vehicles and three trailers.
Savage admitted to a Vosa vehicle examiner during a visit in July this year that he needed more help and time to deal with his role as CPC holder at the firm. The examiner’s inspection of maintenance records revealed that safety inspection records at the company were not returned with vehicles, driver walk-around checks were not effective and there was no forward planning system in place.
He also found a particular vehicle available for use with an expired test certificate.
The TC ruled that Savage was now focusing on his core role as CPC holder, and told him that his repute would remain intact on this occasion.
“It is important that transport managers understand their good repute is on the line if maintenance standards are below requirements,” he explained.
“Operators must also support their transport managers in this role.”
Keep standards high
Denton ordered the company to undertake a maintenance audit through an independent trade body, and warned it that any deterioration in standards would result in a further PI.